AAP, BRS Boycott India's First Tribal Woman President's Maiden Address To Parliament

The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) boycotted President Droupadi Murmu's first address to the joint sitting of Parliament.

The two opposition parties said their boycott was to mark their protest against the Centre's policies over a host of issues, including its treatment of states.

Bharatiya Janata Party leader and former Union minister, Ravi Shankar Prasad, criticised the two parties attacking them for insulting the dignity attached to the highest constitutional position and India's parliamentary democracy.

India's first tribal President, Droupadi Murmu, gave her maiden speech in Parliament to mark the start of the budget session.

Prasad told the reporters, "There is a limit to political opposition and opposition parties should maintain certain norms...Some people took it to the greatest low of our parliamentary democracy namely the BRS and the Aam Aadmi Party who chose to boycott."

He rejected opposition parties' argument that the address glorified the government's work.

"What happens in a few opposition-ruled states during the start of budget sessions," he asked, a reference to a customary address from a governor who read out from the speech approved by the state government concerned.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to the media ahead of the Budget session and emphasised the tradition of honouring new members of the house, regardless of party affiliation, to create a supportive environment.

He also stressed that the President's speech is a source of pride for India's Constitution and parliamentary system and especially today, is a moment to show respect for women and the great tribal tradition of the country.

(With inputs from PTI)